Category: Blog Posts

Summer
is flying by and before you know it you’re kids will be back to school. For
parents who have children with special needs such ASD (Autism Spectrum
Disorder) or ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) it can be stressful preparing
your child for the new school year. I have put together a few tips to help make
the transition from summer to school a little easier for you and your child.

Be Positive
It is only natural for your child to feel apprehensive about the new school
year. You can help ease their worries by speaking positively about what they
are going to experience this year. Get them excited about that they are going
to learn. Recall to their minds the thing they enjoyed from previous years.

Get into a Routine
Even though school hasn’t started yet, it’s a good idea to start getting into a
good routine that will ease them into their school schedule. Set a wake up time
and bedtime for your child. This may need to be done gradually for them to
adjust. Also start with a few academic games/projects to refresh their memories
and get them to prepared for what to expect when school starts. Consistency is
key for both ADD and ASD.

Get Prepared
Include your child when you are getting prepared for the school year. Take them
with you when you do their school shopping and let them pick out things that
they like. Help them put together their backpacks, discuss lunch and snack
options, and help them lay out their clothes for school the night before. Make
the preparation a joint effort.

One other thing I really recommend doing – once you find out who your child’s
teacher will be – is to put together a packet about your child for the teacher.
Take a look at the article How
to Assemble a Teacher Information Packet for some helpful tips.

For additional back to school and safety tips, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics – Back To School Tips. My website also has information about Parenting
a Child with ADD.

I
wanted to share some of the exciting news about the Asperger
Syndrome: Partner’s & Family of Adults with ASD Support Group. Our
small group has grown tremendously and now has 187 members. The members are not
only those local to the Portland/Vancouver area, but we now have members from
around the world from Europe, Great Britain, Dubai, East Africa, Canada, New
Zealand and Australia.

The message boards have become a place where members can discuss their concerns
and gain support. Here is what one of our new members wrote:

“Kathy, I just wanted to let you know how much this group is helping
me. I have found a wealth of information and understanding. The shame and guilt
that have been so present for so long is lifting because of the stunning
similarities other woman are walking in and willing to share so honestly and
openly. I’m glad you started this group (I only wish I lived in Portland lol)
but good things are happening on the message board.”

The message boards are private and for members only and I screen new members.
It is important to me that this support group is maintained as a place of
support and security.

Our next meeting is scheduled for August 14, 2010. The topic for discussion is “Aspie
by Nature or Exposure?“ I hope that you can join us – if not in
person, then on the message boards!

Family
dinner has become a lost tradition. Nowadays family members eat when they want
and whatever they want or they may eat dinner around the television or in their
separate bedrooms. Studies show that eating one meal a day together as a family
can be highly beneficial.

First, it can help the family to eat a healthy and balanced diet. It is
a great way to incorporate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your family’s
diet. This will also help you to promote the concept of a healthy body image
especially if you have a teenage daughter. You will be able to observe any
unhealthy habits that your children may be developing.

Second, it will improve the family communication. This time is
ideal for positive parental influence. Parents, use this time to talk to
your children about what is happening in their life. Try to ascertain problems
that they may be encountering like peer pressure. Do not use this time for
disciplining. It will turn this enjoyable time into a time of dread.

I highly encourage you to take this counsel to heart and add it to your family
schedule. You will be happy you did. It may take time to make it happen, so
don’t give up if it is taking time to coordinate. For more tips on parenting,
visit the Parenting
page on my website. Happy eating! 

For some, working from home sounds ideal. No morning/evening commute, no boss breathing down your neck, no dress code. . . These are just a few reasons why it may sound appealing. It is very important to weigh the pros and cons before making such a big decision as moving your office to the home.

 

I have worked from home for over 25 years so I’ve given this topic a lot of thought. I also work as a consultant for family businesses that are run from a home office. Some people thrive in that environment but for others it quickly becomes a nightmare!

 

I’ve compiled a list of 7 questions that I recommend asking yourself before making such a decision. Be sure to answer each question honestly.

1. Does your neighborhood allow home-based businesses? Are there any zoning restrictions?

2. Is your neighborhood a suitable location for your business?

3. Is your property well maintained with adequate parking for your clients/customers?

4. Does your house have a business office area suitable to your business’ needs? Can visitors get to your business office without going through your entire house?

5. Does your family understand your plans and are they supportive?

6. Do you work well without supervision? Are you self-disciplined?

7. Do you mind being alone for long stretches of time?

For more information about the Entrepreneurial Life and making it work for you, click here.

Social
anxiety, difficulty communicating, and lack of eye contact are all things that
someone with Asperger Syndrome has to deal with. It is like a heavy weight that
they carry with them wherever they go. So, the question is, what can help such
ones improve their “skills”?

Love
to Know – Autism had a really interesting article about how computer
programs can benefit those with Asperger Syndrome. It highlighted that computer
programs are now available to assist those with Asperger Syndrome to develop
skills that do not come naturally to them such as eye contact, improving
memory, and problem solving. (Please read the article to see the full list of
benefits and a list of computer software for this purpose.)

A word of caution though, if you choose this route of additional therapy, keep
in mind that computers have no emotion. These types of programs should not be a
replacement for companionship, but rather a training ground. If your loved one
has Asperger’s, seek out treatment for them from a mental health care
professional who is skilled in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Visit my
website for more information about Asperger Syndrome
Support.

I’m also writing a new book, “Parenting
with a Spouse or Partner with Asperger Syndrome: Out of Sight, Out of Mind”.
It addresses the unique issues that come up when you’re co-parenting with an
Aspie partner. Click
here to download a free sample chapter.

If
you have a child with ADHD, you will most likely hear the words
“bored” or “nothing to do” all summer long. It can be a
real challenge to keep an ADHD child entertained – especially when they are out
of school for the summer. Their boredom can lead to frustration which in turn
can cause them to act out. Instead of having a fun, enjoyable summer, you are
at each other’s throats.

Here are some tips to help you and your child survive the summer:

1. Stick to a schedule. Structure and ADHD work well together. A
schedule will help your child know what to expect for the week/month which will
help them feel secure. Post a schedule for chores, daily activities, and events
for your child. Even schedule “free time”.

2. Use the community. Your community will have plenty of resources
available for you. Day camps, rec centers, county fairs, and festivals are
great places to take your children. It gets them out of the house and can offer
some wonderful stimulation.

3. Set a bedtime. All children need proper rest, but especially a child
with ADHD. Not getting enough rest will only aggravate their symptoms.

4. Pick tasks that will stimulate creativity. Puzzles, crafts, and
drawing/painting are great projects that will help your child to be creative
and help build their self worth.

For more information on this topic, I recommend ADDitute Magazine’s
– Summer Activities for ADHD Kids,
Preteens. Also visit my website for information about Parenting
a Child with ADD/ADHD.